Telluride High School
Principal’s Report
December 11, 2008
I. Student Count: 169 students
II. HS Accountability:
This year’s HS Accountability committee is very interesting and compelling. Our discussions have touched upon the topics of 21st Century Learning, School Rules and Policies, Grading and Reporting, the ISP program, and most recently, the male/female achievement gap, that is both a national and local issue we need to face. This group’s contributions to my administration have been invaluable.
III. Semester Exams
We are in the final weeks of the semester and our teachers and students are gearing up for their final semester exams. These very important assessments will be instrumental in helping our teachers gauge whether or not our students have reached mastery in the content of each classroom. We will have an abridged day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week. Wednesday is a Tutorial period for students who want to review with their teachers. Thursday and Friday will be the first SkiPe days. Students who have MNA (Mastery Not Achieved) in any of their classes may be assigned to a "credit recovery" program during the first two weeks after Winter Break. They will get support from some of the best teachers at THS to try to get the mastery they need to earn credit in these classes.
IV. ISP Program
The second ISP period is fast approaching. We are excited that in this second offering, the students had a much greater say in the development and expectations of the intensive. Our students were able to choose from among 3 “general” ISPs, which included: 1) Performing Arts; 2) Vocational/Engineering; and, 3) Winter Studies/Snow & Ice Science. Also, underclassmen were given the opportunity to challenge themselves and earn “Honors” credit in the Honors ISP. Finally, our students who have 2 or more AP classes are being offered 3 “mini” ISPs – in Strategic Games, Snowshoeing/”To Build A Fire”; and Self-Defense.
We are also pursuing grants from TEF and the Telluride Foundation to continue to be able to offer this amazing hands-on experiential education to our students. Keep you fingers crossed.
V. Winter Sports Season
The Miners Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams have begun their seasons, with our men taking part in a big early season tournament in Meeker Dec. 11-13. Our Competition Cheerleading squad had an amazing performance at states, but was eliminated from the finals for a technicality. This was certainly hugely disappointing to our girls, but they showed great class and dignity in their disappointment. The are the Regional Champs, and we couldn’t be more proud of these hardworking girls! Our competition skiers (racing, freestyle, and Nordic) are training for their individual sports. Finally, our Telluride Hockey clubs are on the ice now and are competing almost every weekend. I am so excited to see these kids start to play and compete for their clubs and teams. Go MINERS!
VI. Another Celebration for THS
Telluride High School has once again made US News and World Report's list of the top high schools in the United States. In the report released December 9, 2008, US News & World Report recognized only 29 high schools in Colorado (there are around 360 in the state). They determined that these special schools are doing the best job preparing students for college and life. Telluride was again among this elite group. Schools that are deemed to be among the top 100 schools in the nation are awarded the "Gold Medal", of which there were two in Colorado. Telluride High School was among eight schools in Colorado awarded a "Silver Medal" ranking. Our neighbor, Ridgeway Secondary, was awarded a "Bronze Medal." THS and Ridgeway were the only two schools on the West Slope to receive recognition. Congratulation to the entire THS Community!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Another Thing to Celebrate at THS!
Telluride High School has once again made US News and World Report's list of the top high schools in the United States (http://www.usnews.com/listings/high-schools/colorado/telluride_high_school). In the report released today, US News & World Report recognized only 29 high schools in Colorado (there are around 360 in the state). They determined that these schools are doing the best job preparing students for college and life. Telluride was again among this elite group. Schools who are deemed to be among the top 100 schools in the nation are awarded the "Gold Medal." Telluride High School was among eight schools in Colorado awarded a "Silver Medal" ranking. Our neighbor, Ridgeway Secondary, was awarded a "Bronze Medal." We were the only two school on the West Slope to receive recognition. Congratulation to the entire THS Community!!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Winter ISPs
Dear THS Community,
Today we met for the first time with students to discuss the Winter ISP offerings. This ISP period will be different than the last for several reasons. First, the students who take 2 or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes will have a "hybrid" ISP experience - 1/2 the day will be spent in intensive AP instruction and the other 1/2 will be spent in one of 3 "mini-ISP" offerings. Second, academically aggressive 9th and 10th grade students will be challenging the "Honors ISP", which is a chance to attempt to earn "honors" credit for their academic core classes by undertaking an in-depth study of a topic relating to those subjects and defending their work in front of their teachers and other experts. The rest of the school will opt to engage in intensive study of one of three general ISP options, including: (1) a Performing arts ISP that will culminate in a public production celebrating the arts; (2) a Winter Studies ISP that will engage our students with a hands on study of our winter environments and winter sporting culture; and (3) a Vocational/Technological Education ISP. where our students will study hands-on mechanical work and will compete to design the best machine to beat the challenges facing it. Our students seem more excited than ever to engage in this hands-on, active learning, 21st century education. Keep posted for more details on this exciting and innovative program.
Today we met for the first time with students to discuss the Winter ISP offerings. This ISP period will be different than the last for several reasons. First, the students who take 2 or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes will have a "hybrid" ISP experience - 1/2 the day will be spent in intensive AP instruction and the other 1/2 will be spent in one of 3 "mini-ISP" offerings. Second, academically aggressive 9th and 10th grade students will be challenging the "Honors ISP", which is a chance to attempt to earn "honors" credit for their academic core classes by undertaking an in-depth study of a topic relating to those subjects and defending their work in front of their teachers and other experts. The rest of the school will opt to engage in intensive study of one of three general ISP options, including: (1) a Performing arts ISP that will culminate in a public production celebrating the arts; (2) a Winter Studies ISP that will engage our students with a hands on study of our winter environments and winter sporting culture; and (3) a Vocational/Technological Education ISP. where our students will study hands-on mechanical work and will compete to design the best machine to beat the challenges facing it. Our students seem more excited than ever to engage in this hands-on, active learning, 21st century education. Keep posted for more details on this exciting and innovative program.
If you have any questions, or want to contact me to find out how you can get involved or contribute to our ISP Program, don't hesitate to call me at 369-1211 or write me at acarter@telluride.k12.co.us.
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23rd Newsletter
October 23. 2008
Dear THS Community;
It astounds me that we have already almost completed our second month of school! It seems that just yesterday our students were returning from summer vacations eager to see their friends and teachers and begin this new year of learning. Now we have completed the first grading period, finished our first ever ISP, and have jumped into the next all important stretch of learning for the 2008-2009 school year.
Why are the next weeks all important? Research has shown that the most profitable and productive period of learning are the ten weeks preceding winter break. Experts are not sure why this is true, but most suggest that: 1) teachers and students have had enough time to establish the class norms and expectations - both students and teachers alike know how the class is going to go – therefore there is little to distract from the learning; 2) students continue to benefit from the energy they saved up over their summer break, so they remain acutely focused on learning; and, 3) attendance rates during this period are historically the best of the year. For these reasons, I expect the next 2 months of learning to be high quality, intense, and productive at THS. Please send your student to school each day ready to maximize their learning during this crucial educational period.
I’d like to take a minute to reflect upon the innovative program we have just inaugurated at THS – the Intensive Study Period (ISP) program. The ISPs were overall an overwhelming success, with very high approval rates from the students, staff, and community members who were involved in them. In survey data students returned early this week, students reported:
· 68% said that the “learned a lot” in the ISP
· 79% enjoyed the experiences of the ISP
· 74% are excited for their next ISP
· 78% expressed their overall approval of the ISP program
For those of us in the business of education high school aged students, this type of feedback is really exciting. For a first-run program, these are outstanding approval rates. We are currently in the process of forming a new student group, called the THS2.1 committee, which will serve as the student voice in guiding our 21st century programs. This group will be instrumental in the development, planning, and implementation of future ISP offerings.
I am also excited to introduce our first hexter grade reports. This new format is designed to better inform students and parents regarding student academic achievement in class and student’s affective grade, which reflect the student’s progress towards mastering the 6 P’s, the all important interpersonal skills and attributes that we all know are so important not only to success in school, but also in life. Please remember that this hexter grade report is a progress report. No grades are final until the Semester Final Grades, which will go on each student’s official transcript. If you are concerned about your student’s performance, do not hesitate to contact the teacher to create a plan to address your child academic or affective progress.
Once again, I am as happy as ever to be the principal of this great school. Our students, teachers, and community are second to none in the state of Colorado. I look forward to continuing our progress towards being the best educational program we can be for the kids of the Telluride region.
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Telluride High School
Dear THS Community;
It astounds me that we have already almost completed our second month of school! It seems that just yesterday our students were returning from summer vacations eager to see their friends and teachers and begin this new year of learning. Now we have completed the first grading period, finished our first ever ISP, and have jumped into the next all important stretch of learning for the 2008-2009 school year.
Why are the next weeks all important? Research has shown that the most profitable and productive period of learning are the ten weeks preceding winter break. Experts are not sure why this is true, but most suggest that: 1) teachers and students have had enough time to establish the class norms and expectations - both students and teachers alike know how the class is going to go – therefore there is little to distract from the learning; 2) students continue to benefit from the energy they saved up over their summer break, so they remain acutely focused on learning; and, 3) attendance rates during this period are historically the best of the year. For these reasons, I expect the next 2 months of learning to be high quality, intense, and productive at THS. Please send your student to school each day ready to maximize their learning during this crucial educational period.
I’d like to take a minute to reflect upon the innovative program we have just inaugurated at THS – the Intensive Study Period (ISP) program. The ISPs were overall an overwhelming success, with very high approval rates from the students, staff, and community members who were involved in them. In survey data students returned early this week, students reported:
· 68% said that the “learned a lot” in the ISP
· 79% enjoyed the experiences of the ISP
· 74% are excited for their next ISP
· 78% expressed their overall approval of the ISP program
For those of us in the business of education high school aged students, this type of feedback is really exciting. For a first-run program, these are outstanding approval rates. We are currently in the process of forming a new student group, called the THS2.1 committee, which will serve as the student voice in guiding our 21st century programs. This group will be instrumental in the development, planning, and implementation of future ISP offerings.
I am also excited to introduce our first hexter grade reports. This new format is designed to better inform students and parents regarding student academic achievement in class and student’s affective grade, which reflect the student’s progress towards mastering the 6 P’s, the all important interpersonal skills and attributes that we all know are so important not only to success in school, but also in life. Please remember that this hexter grade report is a progress report. No grades are final until the Semester Final Grades, which will go on each student’s official transcript. If you are concerned about your student’s performance, do not hesitate to contact the teacher to create a plan to address your child academic or affective progress.
Once again, I am as happy as ever to be the principal of this great school. Our students, teachers, and community are second to none in the state of Colorado. I look forward to continuing our progress towards being the best educational program we can be for the kids of the Telluride region.
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Telluride High School
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ISP Informational Letter
September 16, 2008
Dear THS Community,
As we near the debut of our new Intensive Study Period program, I find that I am even more excited than I was when these ideas were first being discussed last fall. I can’t wait to see our students immersing themselves into high-interest, rigorous, and varied fields of study. We believe that the ISP offerings will not only increase our students’ knowledge of the subject areas being explored, but will also help our students develop and master the 21st century “survival skills” so important to their future success. The skills covered will include critical thinking and problem solving; oral and written communication; teamwork and leadership; creativity and agility –these are just a few of the areas that will be focused on in your student’s ISP program.
Each student will earn 1/3 of a credit when he/she meets the expectations for an ISP. This means that each year that a student completes all three ISP offerings, he/she will earn one additional “interdisciplinary credit” toward graduation. Therefore, a student at THS will now have the ability to earn seven credits per year, rather than six, as in years past. This additional credit is required (as is reflected in the newly adopted revised graduation requirements policy). In other words, ISPs are not optional! We consider these learning opportunities to be vitally important elements of our instructional program.
Members of the THS faculty have spent a great deal of time putting together the fall ISP offerings and we are confident that our students are going to be blown away by them. To peak your interest, I am enclosing the course descriptions for this October’s ISP offerings. As we continue to offer more and more diverse curricula in the ISP program, we will be welcoming input and participation from the community - especially if you have relevant expertise and experience. We are always seeking assistance – people, supplies, facilities, and money - to help us to continue to grow and nurture this program. If are able to support us in any way, please indicate this by filling out the volunteer/donations form that is enclosed.
In order for your child to participate in the ISP program, we are asking that each THS student submit a one time annual student activity fee of $100. This money will help us cover the costs of transportation, housing, facilities, supplies, expert instruction, equipment rental, and other expenses associated with the experiential components of the ISP program. Along with the activity fee, each student will need to complete and submit an ISP Permission, Medical and Payment Form (enclosed) by September 26th. There are scholarships available, so you may indicate interest in financial aid on this form.
I hope you are as excited as I am for your student to begin this new chapter in his/her educational journey. If you have any questions or concerns about the ISP program, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone (369-1211) or by email (acarter@telluride.k12.co.us).
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Dear THS Community,
As we near the debut of our new Intensive Study Period program, I find that I am even more excited than I was when these ideas were first being discussed last fall. I can’t wait to see our students immersing themselves into high-interest, rigorous, and varied fields of study. We believe that the ISP offerings will not only increase our students’ knowledge of the subject areas being explored, but will also help our students develop and master the 21st century “survival skills” so important to their future success. The skills covered will include critical thinking and problem solving; oral and written communication; teamwork and leadership; creativity and agility –these are just a few of the areas that will be focused on in your student’s ISP program.
Each student will earn 1/3 of a credit when he/she meets the expectations for an ISP. This means that each year that a student completes all three ISP offerings, he/she will earn one additional “interdisciplinary credit” toward graduation. Therefore, a student at THS will now have the ability to earn seven credits per year, rather than six, as in years past. This additional credit is required (as is reflected in the newly adopted revised graduation requirements policy). In other words, ISPs are not optional! We consider these learning opportunities to be vitally important elements of our instructional program.
Members of the THS faculty have spent a great deal of time putting together the fall ISP offerings and we are confident that our students are going to be blown away by them. To peak your interest, I am enclosing the course descriptions for this October’s ISP offerings. As we continue to offer more and more diverse curricula in the ISP program, we will be welcoming input and participation from the community - especially if you have relevant expertise and experience. We are always seeking assistance – people, supplies, facilities, and money - to help us to continue to grow and nurture this program. If are able to support us in any way, please indicate this by filling out the volunteer/donations form that is enclosed.
In order for your child to participate in the ISP program, we are asking that each THS student submit a one time annual student activity fee of $100. This money will help us cover the costs of transportation, housing, facilities, supplies, expert instruction, equipment rental, and other expenses associated with the experiential components of the ISP program. Along with the activity fee, each student will need to complete and submit an ISP Permission, Medical and Payment Form (enclosed) by September 26th. There are scholarships available, so you may indicate interest in financial aid on this form.
I hope you are as excited as I am for your student to begin this new chapter in his/her educational journey. If you have any questions or concerns about the ISP program, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone (369-1211) or by email (acarter@telluride.k12.co.us).
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Questions on the TSD Bond Question???
Visit the TSDBondQuestion08 blog at http://tsdbondquestion08.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
BBQ Bash - Friday 9/12 after the Varsity Soccer Game
Don't miss the BBQ Bash being hosted by THS Student Council! This Friday, Sept 12, on the Soccer Field immediately following the first home game for our Varsity Soccer team.
Free Food!
Music!
School and Community Spirit!
See you there!!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
THS Community Newsletter
September 9, 2008
Dear THS Community,
I would like to thank each and every one of you for an absolutely great opening to the 2008-2009 school year. On Sept. 2, students poured into our halls excited for another great year of learning at THS. This year promises to be one of the most exciting, most memorable, and most important in our school’s history. As we embark on the path to the delivery of a 21st century education at THS, we will be asking more of our students than ever before…but the payoffs will be worth it!
In less than a month, students will be engaged in our first Intensive Study Period session. This two week period will see Telluride High School students riding high in the San Juan mountains learning about “wilderness and survival” in an alpine setting; traveling to Moab to investigate how businesses are capitalizing on the connection between “mind and body”; working with local world-class chefs to explore the “art and science of cuisine”; digging in Crow Canyon in an effort to discover the secrets of the ancient Puebloan people through “southwestern archaeology”; and exploring the power of “protest and social change” through an interactive study of film, music, art, and literature. These unique, interactive, hands-on experiences promise to raise our students’ appreciation and love for learning to new levels.
I am going to take this opportunity to remind you of a few housekeeping issues that are important to the effective administration of our building and the success of our programs:
· Attendance – please remember to communicate directly with the office if your student is absent from school. Your student can either bring in an excuse note to Candice at the front desk, or you can call Candice at 728-4377. Also, should your student need an early dismissal, please notify Candice by note or phone call in advance of your student’s departure.
· Students in AP Classes – please remember that when your student enrolls in an AP class, your family will be asked to help shoulder the added costs associated with these college level courses. Look for bills to help cover the costs of the AP books and test fees.
· Cost of lunch – as rising gas prices affect all of us, the costs of producing lunches for our students has also increased. Thus, students are being asked to pay $3 for hot lunches this year.
· Student Activity Fee – In order to help offset the costs associated with the new Intensive Study Period program, we are asking all students to contribute $100 in a student activity fee. We are accepting these checks now, but would like all of them to be paid no later than September 29, 2008, a week prior to the first ISP.
In addition to the new academic programs being implemented this year, THS has embraced the value of teaching the “affective skills and attributes” each of our students will need to experience success in a 21st century workplace. During the first week of instruction, we focused intensely on the THS model of the “6 P’s”, which include the virtues of Politeness, Punctuality, Preparedness, actively Participating, having a Positive Mental Attitude, and Perseverance. In order to reinforce our belief that these 6 P’s are extremely important life skills that must be practiced and valued, our teachers will be assessing our students’ progress towards mastery of these skills and attributes every reporting period. Our students’ performance in demonstrating these expectations will be included in their final grade, and thus will have an impact on their overall grade point averages. Please take a minute to review the 6P’s handout (enclosed) and our expectations for student behavior and engagement.
I am looking for parent representatives to serve on the High School Accountability committee. Our first meeting of the school year will be held on Tuesday, September 16th from 3:30-5:00 PM. If you are interested, please contact me and I’ll put you on the distribution list.
If you have any questions or concerns about anything you find in this packet or anything else that is going on in the life of your THS student, please don’t hesitate to contact me either by email at acarter@telluride.k12.co.us or by phone at 369-1211.
I hope that the beginning of this school year has been as positive an experience for your family as it has been for mine. I wish you all the best of luck for a great 2008-2009 school year.
And, oh yeah….GO MINERS!
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Dear THS Community,
I would like to thank each and every one of you for an absolutely great opening to the 2008-2009 school year. On Sept. 2, students poured into our halls excited for another great year of learning at THS. This year promises to be one of the most exciting, most memorable, and most important in our school’s history. As we embark on the path to the delivery of a 21st century education at THS, we will be asking more of our students than ever before…but the payoffs will be worth it!
In less than a month, students will be engaged in our first Intensive Study Period session. This two week period will see Telluride High School students riding high in the San Juan mountains learning about “wilderness and survival” in an alpine setting; traveling to Moab to investigate how businesses are capitalizing on the connection between “mind and body”; working with local world-class chefs to explore the “art and science of cuisine”; digging in Crow Canyon in an effort to discover the secrets of the ancient Puebloan people through “southwestern archaeology”; and exploring the power of “protest and social change” through an interactive study of film, music, art, and literature. These unique, interactive, hands-on experiences promise to raise our students’ appreciation and love for learning to new levels.
I am going to take this opportunity to remind you of a few housekeeping issues that are important to the effective administration of our building and the success of our programs:
· Attendance – please remember to communicate directly with the office if your student is absent from school. Your student can either bring in an excuse note to Candice at the front desk, or you can call Candice at 728-4377. Also, should your student need an early dismissal, please notify Candice by note or phone call in advance of your student’s departure.
· Students in AP Classes – please remember that when your student enrolls in an AP class, your family will be asked to help shoulder the added costs associated with these college level courses. Look for bills to help cover the costs of the AP books and test fees.
· Cost of lunch – as rising gas prices affect all of us, the costs of producing lunches for our students has also increased. Thus, students are being asked to pay $3 for hot lunches this year.
· Student Activity Fee – In order to help offset the costs associated with the new Intensive Study Period program, we are asking all students to contribute $100 in a student activity fee. We are accepting these checks now, but would like all of them to be paid no later than September 29, 2008, a week prior to the first ISP.
In addition to the new academic programs being implemented this year, THS has embraced the value of teaching the “affective skills and attributes” each of our students will need to experience success in a 21st century workplace. During the first week of instruction, we focused intensely on the THS model of the “6 P’s”, which include the virtues of Politeness, Punctuality, Preparedness, actively Participating, having a Positive Mental Attitude, and Perseverance. In order to reinforce our belief that these 6 P’s are extremely important life skills that must be practiced and valued, our teachers will be assessing our students’ progress towards mastery of these skills and attributes every reporting period. Our students’ performance in demonstrating these expectations will be included in their final grade, and thus will have an impact on their overall grade point averages. Please take a minute to review the 6P’s handout (enclosed) and our expectations for student behavior and engagement.
I am looking for parent representatives to serve on the High School Accountability committee. Our first meeting of the school year will be held on Tuesday, September 16th from 3:30-5:00 PM. If you are interested, please contact me and I’ll put you on the distribution list.
If you have any questions or concerns about anything you find in this packet or anything else that is going on in the life of your THS student, please don’t hesitate to contact me either by email at acarter@telluride.k12.co.us or by phone at 369-1211.
I hope that the beginning of this school year has been as positive an experience for your family as it has been for mine. I wish you all the best of luck for a great 2008-2009 school year.
And, oh yeah….GO MINERS!
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Friday, September 5, 2008
Big Sports Weekend
Big sporting weekend for the Miners. Our Lady Miners volleyball team will travel to Mancos tonight for their first match of the season. I would love to see a HUGE crowd cheering our girls on for their first home match tomorrow, Saturday 9/6 here in T'ride! JV begins play at 10 AM and Varsity will follow at 11 AM. Also, good luck to our Mens Soccer teams, who travel to Crested Butte tomorrow for their first league games.
GO MINERS!!!
GO MINERS!!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
High School Back To School Night - Thurs. Sept 18
Attention THS Community:
I had previously announced that we would have 2 "grade level" back to school nights. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts have prevented us from being able to host both events. Therefore, we will have one 9-12 grade Back-to-School nights on Thursday, Sept. 18. I will host a meet and greet in the Palm Lobby from 5:30-6:15. A brief overview of the TSD School Bond question, which will be on the November ballot, will be presented from 6:15 -6:30. From 6:30 until 6:55, I will present a brief presentation highlighting some of the exciting changes we are debuting at THS this year, including the ISP Program and the new grading and reporting model. Beginning at 7 PM, you will be invited to visit your student's classrooms to meet the teachers and hear about the curricula and program you student will follow. Immediately following the class visits, we will hold a brief Senior Parent Information session, hosted by David & Karen Lavender and Lisa Andrews.
I look forward to seeing the entire THS community at this important event.
I had previously announced that we would have 2 "grade level" back to school nights. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts have prevented us from being able to host both events. Therefore, we will have one 9-12 grade Back-to-School nights on Thursday, Sept. 18. I will host a meet and greet in the Palm Lobby from 5:30-6:15. A brief overview of the TSD School Bond question, which will be on the November ballot, will be presented from 6:15 -6:30. From 6:30 until 6:55, I will present a brief presentation highlighting some of the exciting changes we are debuting at THS this year, including the ISP Program and the new grading and reporting model. Beginning at 7 PM, you will be invited to visit your student's classrooms to meet the teachers and hear about the curricula and program you student will follow. Immediately following the class visits, we will hold a brief Senior Parent Information session, hosted by David & Karen Lavender and Lisa Andrews.
I look forward to seeing the entire THS community at this important event.
Friday, August 22, 2008
ISP - October 6-17
Don't forget - Our 1st Intesive Study Period (ISP) will begin on Monday, Oct. 6 and will last two weeks, concluding Oct. 17.
Contact Mr. Carter for information.
Contact Mr. Carter for information.
Welcome Back Letter 2008
August 22, 2008
Dear Telluride High School Community,
I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, and enjoying a wonderful summer break. If you have had half as much fun as I have, I know you’ll be refreshed, energized, and excited to make the coming year at Telluride High School the best one ever! This year students will work harder, learn more, and feel better about school than they ever have before. THS is committed to implementing innovative and exciting programs that will change the way your high school educational program looks and feels.
I can assure you that the faculty of Telluride High School, while also enjoying a break from their professional labors, have been busy thinking about and preparing for innovative new approaches to teaching and learning for the coming school year. Teachers have met to outline their programs for this fall’s Intensive Study Periods (ISPs). Many have attended 21st century learning conferences and other staff development opportunities to better prepare themselves to lead the learning in their classrooms. Teachers spent time collaborating to develop rubrics and expectations to inform our new grading and reporting model. Teachers have continued to prepare engaging and exciting lessons in their ongoing efforts to uncover their subject content while providing the opportunity for students to master the essential survival skills for success in school and life in the 21st century.
An article by Mike Petrilli in a recent educational magazine suggests that the unique offering of extra and co-curricular programs to students in our nation’s schools could be one of the reasons the U.S. worker and economy has enjoyed so much success over the last 75 years. Petrilli says, “Our athletic programs, student councils, debate clubs, school newspapers, orchestras, theater troupes …and the rest of the panoply of after-school activities might be boosting America’s economic output. While Asian kids are cramming at ‘exam cram schools’ and European youngsters are smoking in sidewalk cafes, our students are engaged in activities that give them the confidence to achieve in myriad ways – a taste of achievement they then carry into the world of work.” I encourage each student at THS to consider getting involved in and extra or co-curricular program at THS. Please contact Mike Hughes, our Director of Student Activities, for information on school sports and co-curricular programs.
Again, I am proud and honored to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year and hope that each of you is ready to have the best year ever at Telluride High School. Go MINERS!
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Dear Telluride High School Community,
I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, and enjoying a wonderful summer break. If you have had half as much fun as I have, I know you’ll be refreshed, energized, and excited to make the coming year at Telluride High School the best one ever! This year students will work harder, learn more, and feel better about school than they ever have before. THS is committed to implementing innovative and exciting programs that will change the way your high school educational program looks and feels.
I can assure you that the faculty of Telluride High School, while also enjoying a break from their professional labors, have been busy thinking about and preparing for innovative new approaches to teaching and learning for the coming school year. Teachers have met to outline their programs for this fall’s Intensive Study Periods (ISPs). Many have attended 21st century learning conferences and other staff development opportunities to better prepare themselves to lead the learning in their classrooms. Teachers spent time collaborating to develop rubrics and expectations to inform our new grading and reporting model. Teachers have continued to prepare engaging and exciting lessons in their ongoing efforts to uncover their subject content while providing the opportunity for students to master the essential survival skills for success in school and life in the 21st century.
An article by Mike Petrilli in a recent educational magazine suggests that the unique offering of extra and co-curricular programs to students in our nation’s schools could be one of the reasons the U.S. worker and economy has enjoyed so much success over the last 75 years. Petrilli says, “Our athletic programs, student councils, debate clubs, school newspapers, orchestras, theater troupes …and the rest of the panoply of after-school activities might be boosting America’s economic output. While Asian kids are cramming at ‘exam cram schools’ and European youngsters are smoking in sidewalk cafes, our students are engaged in activities that give them the confidence to achieve in myriad ways – a taste of achievement they then carry into the world of work.” I encourage each student at THS to consider getting involved in and extra or co-curricular program at THS. Please contact Mike Hughes, our Director of Student Activities, for information on school sports and co-curricular programs.
Again, I am proud and honored to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year and hope that each of you is ready to have the best year ever at Telluride High School. Go MINERS!
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
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